Soulful Study - This fall - 2008!

Hi Everybody,

It has been a long time since we met for Soulful Study. Hope the summer was great for you. Soulful Study for Women’s Health begins on this Sunday, September 28, from 5:00-6:00 in room 115 at Beechwood Church, Holland, MI. We had such a precious time of connection in the spring and I look forward to the ways the Holy Spirit will move in our group and lives this fall. The series this fall is from the Old Testament and deals with Faith and Family. Our first story is about Deborah found in Judges 4 and 5. Deborah is identified as a Mother of Israel and a national leader. Her story has many truths that apply to us as we build our faith and nurture our families. I hope you will come and join in the conversation with us as we explore family challenges and our faith in God. Part of each Soulful Study Session will highlight a exercise segment. This week I will be sharing on my weight lifting routine. Through out the weeks, many others from our group will demonstrate from their work out programs. This fall we will also have nutritional segments. If you have something you would like to share, please let me know. I’m looking forward to the time and fellowship with the women of Soulful Study. At 6:00 pm, there will be a prayer and fellowship walk around Beechwood Property. It is a 45 minute walk for exercise, to invigorate your soul and enjoy connection with your sisters.

April 27th

The topic will be Women and Finances, at the next SSWH. See you there!

Next SSWH - April 20th

We'll be having a discussion on "Aging and Adult Children" with Judy Beltman. Also - "stand up" comedy on aging with Elvira Kern. No Pilates on this date. The next session with take place on April 27th, "Women and Finances." Janet TenBrink will be leading in worship. Have a great spring break!

Fun Fotos From Sunday Night

What a time!

It was a blessing to finally put "faces" to the names that Dawn has talked so highly of. You all are wonderful women, and I congratulate you on your success of this "Soulful Study" and spiritual journey. I pray it's not the last time that I'll be seeing you. Kris Hansen was powerful tonite; and I thank you so much too, for joining me in the sacred musical moment - honoring each other and honoring God.

March 30th - Pilates at 4pm, SSWH special program follows at 5pm!

SSWH is proud to announce a special night of celebration with Kris Hansen and Susan Duffield, slated for Sunday, March 30th at 5pm.

March 16th SSWH!

On March 16 @ 5:00, we discussed "Menopause". Jan Arnold, RN and Carol Ornee, RN were our special guest facilitators. Last Sunday we explored the best vitamin options, calcium tablet, protein source. The jury is still out. Thank you for all who answered the survey. If you have tried the experiment and your vitamin dissolves in water after 30 minutes, e-mail me the brand name. Berna Welling provided us with an informative pamphlet on fast food calories. If you didn't get one, pick it up next week. It is an eye opener. Some days we can't control much about our day, but we can always control our portion size.

Nutrition is everything!

Nutrition was the highlight of our SSWH, on Sunday, March 9th. Great discussion and informative questions on health and nutrition is the norm around here.

Highlights from our last SSWH!

Judy Van Dyke, special guest for the March 2nd SSWH

What does being created in God’s image have to do with curling irons, hair color, and botox? Pastor Judy Van Dyke, former artistic director at Panopoulos Salons, gave us some helpful hair and beauty tips along the way as we explored what it meant to be made perfect in God’s eyes.

Finally - "Better" weather and a good time!

The pictures from SSWH speak for themselves! "Stop! In the name of love!"







Wow - those "Dutch Supremes" were a hit!

Bummer - the weather!

Unfortunately, we had to cancel the February 10th meeting - due to awful weather . We were back on track the next Sunday, February 17th, for the second session of SSWH.

On Protein - from Sandy

From Sandy VanStratt on the topic of protein:
According to the Food and Drug Administation guidelines, RDA for protein fits in the following formula:
You need .8 grams of protein per 2.2 pounds of your "ideal weight".
Just thought that you might be interested in one of my favorite websites, www.healthatoz.com . On that site, you can find your BMI (body mass index), and take a test to help determine your physical fitness. Additionally, this site gives you a nice analysis of your personal wellbeing based on the answers to questions given. I just love it and find it very, very easy to use.
You asked where I get my protein...well, I try the best I can to get it from eating good foods. Tuna, black beans, almonds...just to name a few. I'm not one to drink protein shakes. I like to eat toooo much!

Reflection for Lent

A Different Kind of Fasting
Fast from judging others… Feast on Christ dwelling in each
Fast from seeing differences…Feast on the Spirit in all life
Fast from apparent darkness... Feast on the reality of light
Fast from thoughts of illness…Feast on the healing power of God
Fast from words that pollute…Feast on phrases that support or confirm
Fast from discontent…Feast on gratitude
Fast from anger…Feast on patience
Fast from worry…Feast on trust in God’s Providence
Fast from complaining…Feast on appreciation
Fast from hostility…Feast on non-violence
Fast from bitterness…Feast on forgiveness
Fast from self-concern…Feast on compassion for others
Fast from discouragement…Feast on hope
Fast from lethargy…Feast on enthusiasm
Fast from idle gossip…Feast on prayerful silence
Fast from suspiciousness…Feast on Truthful Relationships
Fast from the shadows of injustice…Feast on the Son of Justice
(Taken from Western Seminary weekly bulletin, Feb. 6, 2008)

Pilates in action!

Our first "Soulful Study of Women's Health!" Bring on the Pilates! Actually, this is a full-body worship motion - Old Testament style!